Beth Ann winced as she looked at Dana Jo, then offered her a tender smile and they followed the nurse to the room.
The pediatrician stepped to the door, and Ellie made the introductions.
“Is Lou Lou okay?” Dana Jo asked
“Both children are fine. A little confused but it appears that after the initial abduction, they were well cared for. Counseling might be necessary in the future. But for now they’re safe and physically unharmed.”
“Can I see my little girl now?” Dana Jo asked in a raw whisper.
“Yes,” the doctor said.
“I’m Iris’s aunt,” Beth Ann said. “I want to meet her.”
The doctor motioned to the door. “Go on in. Hazel’s been keeping them calm.”
Ellie followed them inside but before she could introduce Hazel, Lou Lou squealed, “Mama, mama!” Mrs. Glasser scooped up the toddler and placed her in Dana Jo’s lap and Dana Jo and her mother wrapped Lou Lou into a big hug as they cried happy tears.
Beth Ann looked nervous, fidgeting with the buttons on her sweater, but Hazel reached out her hand. “I’m Hazel,” the kind woman said softly. “I loved your sister, hon, and I love Iris, too.”
Emotions overcame Beth Ann. “I wish she’d told me about her. I… would have been there for her.”
“You can be now,” Hazel said softly. “This little girl needs a mother.”
Beth Ann stared at the tiny little girl. “She’s so beautiful.”
“So was your sister,” Hazel said. “She wanted you to raise her, that is, if you want.”
Even as Beth Ann trembled, she gave a little nod. “But I don’t know much about kids.”
Hazel pulled Beth Ann close to her. “Well, I happen to know a right good bit, so you can lean on me like your sister did.” Hazel waved Iris’s little hand playfully. “Iris, this is your aunt. You mommy’s sister.”
“Hi, Iris,” Beth Ann said in a tender voice.
“Mommy,” Iris murmured.
Tears trickled down Beth Ann’s cheeks. There would always be sadness in the fact that Iris’s mother was gone.
“I loved your mommy,” Beth Ann whispered. “And I’m going to love you and take care of you just like she would have.”
Iris reached her arms up as if she wanted to be held. Hazel nodded encouragement, and Beth Ann lifted the child into her arms and planted a soft kiss in her hair.
Ellie nudged Derrick’s arm and they left the room, grateful the families had been reunited and that the little girls could go home with their families tonight.
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN
“I’m going to check on Cord,” Ellie told Derrick. “But first I’ll call Sheriff Waters and ask him to give an update to the press. I’m too tired to deal with that tonight.” And emotional. Seeing the families back together had caused a lump in her throat.
“You did a great job, Ellie.” Derrick squeezed her arm. “You always do.”
“The team did a great job,” Ellie said. “Are you seeing Tilly tonight?”
He nodded. “She’s making dinner. Can’t remember when I last ate.”
“I like her,” Ellie said. “Tell her thanks for all she did on the case.”
“She’ll appreciate that,” Derrick said. “Talk later.”
Ellie made the call to Bryce, and he eagerly agreed to talk to Angelica. He did like the media attention on himself.
